General Dynamics F-111

The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark (the nickname was unofficial for most of its lifespan, but it was officially named "Aardvark" at its retirement ceremony for the United States Air Force) is a long-range strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and tactical strike aircraft. The F-111 project was long considered an expensive failure, but the end result was a capable, albeit costly, aircraft.

EF-111A Raven electronic warfare aircraft

To replace the elderly and obsolescent Douglas EB-66, in 1972 the USAF contracted Grumman to convert some existing F-111As into electronic warfare/ECM aircraft. The Air Force had considered the Navy Grumman EA-6B Prowler, but was reluctant to adopt a Navy aircraft.

Related Topics:
Douglas EB-66 - 1972 - Electronic warfare - Navy - EA-6B Prowler

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A contract to develop the EF-111A was awarded to Grumman in 1974, modifying existing -A airframes. The first fully equipped model flew on 10 March 1977, and deliveries to combat units began in 1981. A total of 42 conversions was completed, the last delivered by the end of 1985. The EF-111A received the official popular name Raven, although in service it acquired the nickname "Spark 'Vark".

Related Topics:
Grumman - 1974 - 10 March - 1977 - 1981 - 1985

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The Raven retained the F-111A's navigation systems, with a revised AN/APQ-160 radar primarily for ground mapping. The primary feature of the Raven, however, was the AN/ALQ-99E jamming system, developed from the Navy's ALQ-99 on the Prowler. Its primary electronics were installed in the weapons bay, with transmitters fitted in a 16 ft (5 m) long ventral "canoe" radome; the complete installation weighed some 6,000 lb (2,723 kg). Receivers were installed in a fin-tip pod,or "football," similar to that of the EA-6B. The aircraft's electrical and cooling systems had to be extensively upgraded to support this equipment. The cockpit was also rearranged, with all flight and navigation displays relocated to the pilot's side, and flight controls except throttles being removed from the other seat, where the electronic warfare officer's instrumentation and controls were installed.

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EF-111s were unarmed, although a few sources indicated that the inner wing pylons could be fitted to allow carriage of AIM-9 Sidewinders for self-defense. The aircraft's considerable speed and acceleration were its main means of self-defense. The EF-111 was not capable of firing AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-78 Standard, or AGM-88 HARM missiles in the lethal SEAD role, which was a tactical limitation.

Related Topics:
AGM-45 Shrike - AGM-78 Standard - AGM-88 HARM - SEAD

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In 1986 the EF-111A's engines were upgraded to the more powerful TF30-P-9 of the -D model, with 12,000 lbf (53.4 kN) dry and 18,500 lbf (82.3 kN) afterburning thrust.

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From 1987 to 1994 the Spark 'Vark underwent an Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), similar to the Pacer Strike program for the F model. This added a dual AN/ASN-41 ring-laser gyro INS, AN/APN-218 Doppler radar, and an updated AN/APQ-146 terrain-following radar. Cockpit displays were upgraded with multi-function displays borrowed from the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Related Topics:
1987 - 1994 - F-16 Fighting Falcon

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EF-111s saw combat use during Operation Eldorado Canyon (the 1986 retaliatory attack on Libya) and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. On 17 January 1991, a USAF EF-111 was credited with a kill against an Iraqi Dassault-Breguet Mirage F1, which it managed to maneuver into the ground, making it the first and only F-111 to achieve an aerial victory over another aircraft.

Related Topics:
1986 - 1991 - 17 January - 1991 - Iraqi - Dassault-Breguet - Mirage F1

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The last deployment of the Raven was a detachment of EF-111s stationed at Al Kharj Air Base in Saudi Arabia until April 1998.

Related Topics:
Al Kharj Air Base - Saudi Arabia - 1998

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Shortly afterward, in May 1998, the USAF withdrew the final EF-111As from service, placing them in storage at AMARC. These were the final F-111s in service with the USAF. In the short term, EA-6B Prowlers are fulfilling this function for both the Navy and Air Force, but the EA-18G Growler, which is now in production, is expected to perform this role in the long term.

Related Topics:
1998 - EA-18G Growler

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